Deaconess Elsie Beatrice Shelton was born on January 20, 1924 to the late Ezkie and Mattie Jackson, in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1942 she met and married John Henry Shelton who became the proud parents of Johnnie and Mattie Shelton. She was employed at Memphis Furniture Factory prior to relocating to Lynn, Massachusetts, in the mid-70s, where she was employed at Union Hospital until her retirement.

Her Christian journey traveled with her from Boston Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee to Massachusetts, where she later obtained dual membership at both Zion Baptist Church in Lynn, Massachusetts and Living Elevated Church in Brockton, Massachusetts. While at Zion Baptist Church Elsie was ordained a Deaconess and served Zion faithfully; she later became a beloved member of the "Golden Girls." In 2012 her grandson, Pastor Eric Shelton planted the now Living Elevated Church, and Elsie decided to help her grandson in his pursuit and passion for ministry in that vineyard and was later recognized as the official church Mother.

Tuesdays were indeed a highlight for Elsie as she was a longstanding member of the bowling team at Lucky Strike Bowling Alley in Lynn, Massachusetts and then Metro Bowling Alley located in Peabody, Massachusetts. But Deaconess Elsie did not stop there as she was very active and began attending Pondview Adult Daycare Center three days a week, where she worked on various arts and crafts; but more bowling or working on arts and crafts, Elsie loved reading the Bible, listening to gospel music, and praising the Lord—this is what she taught her family to do as nothing mattered more to her than her family and serving the Lord!

When she wasn't in church or bowling, you could find Deaconess Elsie in the kitchen, making her infamous sweet potato pies, which all of her family looked forward to, especially at Thanksgiving, and no matter how many pies she made, there was always a special two dedicated to her eldest grandson, Roderick. Her pies, as delectable as they were, meant so much more than just good comfort food, as they were truly a symbol of love and family, as she got great joy from just seeing the smiles on the faces of all who joined in around the table. Deaconess Elsie loved spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always encouraging them to do their absolute best and nothing less!

Deaconess Elsie was preceded in death by her sisters, Essie Mae and Maria Greer; and her brothers Reuben Jackson, Charles Jackson, and James Henry Jackson. She leaves to cherish her memories and to live out her legacy her two loving daughters, Johnnie and Mattie Shelton; two grandsons, Roderick Valrie (Sheila) and Eric Shelton (Morenike); one granddaughter, Rashanda Shelton; and four great-grandchildren, Roderick Valrie, Jr., Shaleah Valrie, Aryana Richardson, and Willow-Symone Shelton. She also leaves to remember her love and joy one sister-in-law, Mary Jackson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

We are so grateful and thankful to God who gave us this great woman of Faith, who lead a life of excellence before us and who always reminded us that "we are family." Thank you Mama—we love you!